Ben Rimalower to Bring PATTI ISSUES to Baltimore & Tour in 2014

Ben Rimalower: "PATTI ISSUES" - the hit solo play hailed as "ecstatically vivid" by The New York Times and praised for its "wit, feeling and conviction" by Time Out New York - will be presented in Baltimore, Maryland and aboard the RSVP Vacations' "Divina Cruise" this winter, plus an upcoming "mini-tour" of South Florida this spring, on the heels of its triumphant 14-month run in New York and following recent performances in Boston, Berlin, Glasgow, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Berkeley, Provincetown and the Fire Island Pines, as well as its inclusion as an official selection in the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's Summer Conference. The show can be seen at the Patterson in Baltimore, MD on January 25 and aboard the RSVP Cruises' "Divina Cruise" February 15-22. See below for full listings information. Tickets for all shows can be purchased at PattiIssues.com.

Since "PATTI ISSUES" opened in August 2012, it has become a must-see show around the world, garnering great word-of-mouth from attendees such as Tony Kushner, Alan Cumming, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Kors, Charles Busch, Billy Eichner, Justin VivIan Bond, Perez Hilton and Ms. LuPone herself ("The show's fantastic," she said. "It's really wonderful. I was moved.") Included as "Best New York Theater of 2012," The Advocate called the show "smart, poignant and dishy as hell," while it was dubbed "spellbinding" by The Village Voice and "pithy and unforgettable" by The Huffington Post. "PATTI ISSUES" received a special Bistro Award for solo play in March and won the MAC Award for "Male Debut.""PATTI ISSUES" is directed by Aaron Mark (Another Medea with Tom Hewitt, Random Unrelated Projects).

When Ben Rimalower was eight years old, his father came out of the closet and embarked on a drug-fueled tear that left his family in tatters. Amid the chaos of his young life, Ben found comfort-like so many gay boys before him and after-in musical theater, and specifically in the transportive voice of Broadway star Patti LuPone. "PATTI ISSUES" marks Rimalower's debut as a playwright and performer, after serving as the director of numerous Off-Broadway plays, concerts and all-star benefits (and blogging for the Huffington Post). With a mix of comic irreverence, stark candor and show-biz bravado, "PATTI ISSUES" poignantly explores the challenges facing LGBT parents and children while shining unique light on gay men's time-old obsessions with divas.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (January 25)

The Creative Alliance will present the show at The Patterson on Saturday, January 25 at 8 PM. The venue is located at 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410-276-1651)

RSVP CRUISES' "DIVINA" Cruise (February 15-22)

Join Ben Rimalower on the most beautiful ship in the world, the MSC Divina, February 15-22, 2014. Ben will be performing PATTI ISSUES with RSVP Vacations sailing from Miami to St. Maarten, San Juan, and RSVP's own private island playground in the Bahamas. The Divina marks the largest cruise in RSVP's 29-year history and it's going to be among the most amazing vacation experiences ever! With world-class entertainment options, 3500 guests, 7 restaurants, 18 bars, 4 pools, and tons of never-before seen features, this all-gay cruise is going to be one for the record books. You can preview the experience and view all the cruise details at www.RSVPvacations.com or call an RSVP reservations expert at 310-432-2300.

SOUTH FLORIDA "Mini-Tour" (Spring 2014 dates to be announced)

Richard Jay-Alexander, who saw the show at The Duplex earlier in the year, loved it, and sealed a deal with author/star Rimalower to present "PATTI ISSUES" in South Florida Markets, which include Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Key West. Details forthcoming, based on scheduling of performer and desired venues.